The 1st Cavalry Division, famously known as the "First Team," is one of the US Army's most storied and accomplished units.
Part of III Armored Corps, this combined arms division calls Fort Hood, Texas, home.
With a decorated history spanning decades, the division continues to play a vital role in maintaining US military readiness and global security.
A division ready for any mission
As a key component of III Armored Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division delivers scalable, combat-ready forces prepared for rapid global deployment.
Known for its mobility, the division bypasses enemy strongholds while striking at decisive points with overwhelming combat power.
Their innovative approach to warfare ensures maximum effectiveness in large-scale land operations, even on short notice.
To remain at the cutting edge of modern military tactics, the division employs an initiative called "Pegasus Charge."
This program emphasizes innovative approaches to training, equipping and organizing forces to ensure units are both lethal and maneuverable.
By using advanced technology, the division maintains the flexibility needed to shape battlefields effectively while preparing its brigades for future engagements.
A proud history of combat excellence
The 1st Cavalry Division has consistently proven its excellence during key moments in US military history.
In the Vietnam War, the division became the Army's first air mobility unit, proving this revolutionary strategy in the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang.
With helicopter support, the division proved air mobility's capability to swiftly impact battles, a strategy still central to modern warfare today.
During the Gulf War, the First Team executed a historic 300-kilometer ground offensive in just 24 hours during Operation Desert Storm.
This assault saw them decisively break through Iraq's elite Republican Guard, showcasing the division's ability to conduct lightning-fast, large-scale maneuvers with devastating effectiveness.
In recent decades, the 1st Cavalry Division displayed its adaptability and valor during extended combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From fighting insurgents to driving back ISIS, the division has remained a symbol of strength for the US Army.
Today, "First Team" continues its mission with an active rotational presence in the Middle East, ready to deploy rapidly in support of US strategic interests.
Whether through decisive power on the battlefield or superior readiness for future conflicts, the 1st Cavalry Division stands ready to defend the nation.
![First Team Troopers operating an Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 3, with the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, fire the main gun during gunnery at Fort Hood, Texas, February 23, 2026. [US Army Reserve]](/ssc/images/2026/03/10/54909-_86b__1st_cavalry_division-600_384.webp)